Notts County extended their unbeaten league form to eight matches as they produced a comfortable 4-0 win against Torquay United to put more pressure on Gulls boss Gary Johnson.
In what was a frustrating opening period for the Magpies, Connell Rawlinson's placed effort eased the tension inside Meadow Lane, and just five minutes later they found themselves two goals up, Aaron Nemane winning a penalty which Ruben Rodrigues confidently dispatched.
And their dominant performance eventually got the goals it merited late in the second half with substitute Quevin Castro producing a sublime strike from the edge of the area before Geraldo Bajrami rounded off the scoring with another brilliantly curled effort.
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After an uneventful opening 20 minutes, the game sparked into life through an unlikely goal scorer. Another well-worked free-kick saw the ball eventually fall to the feet of the Notts number six Rawlinson, who took his time before placing a beautifully curled finish beyond the grasp of Mark Halstead.
And just five minutes later their lead was doubled, Nemane doing brilliantly inside the area to draw a challenge from the Torquay defender. Rodrigues stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards after missing his previous penalty, against Maidstone.
Adam Chicksen almost added to his five National League goals three minutes from the interval - smashing his effort off the crossbar with Macaulay Langstaff unable to follow up the rebound.
The pattern of the game continued into the second half, with the Magpies creating a number of positive build-ups, but failing to find that key final pass.
Sam Austin's introduction almost saw an instant impact with the midfielder finding space on the edge of the opposition area before rattling his effort off the crossbar with his first touch of the game.
But County eventually got the goals they merited, with another substitute this time able to find the back of the net when Castro took aim from distance before flashing the ball beyond the Torquay 'keeper.
However, the Magpies were not finished, taking their total goals to 10 in their last two games, with Bajrami rounding off a brilliant midfield performance with a curled effort from the edge of the area to send the 7563 inside Meadow Lane home very happy indeed.
Here is how we rated the Magpies players.
Sam Slocombe - 7
Was rarely troubled all afternoon but remained alert and focused when the Gulls did decide to attack. Positioning was excellent to stop any over the top balls and coming to claim crosses from set-pieces. Will be a lot happier after being unable to preserve a clean sheet in midweek against Wealdstone.
Aden Baldwin - 7
An excellent performance on his return to the side, defending brilliantly against Will Goodwin with his physicality and a height Torquay tried to utilise throughout.
Connell Rawlinson - 8
Calmed the nerves with a brilliantly placed finish from the edge of the area. Defended admirably alongside the back three and despite looking like he was limping early on, came through the game unscathed.
Kyle Cameron - 8
A relatively quiet afternoon for the Magpies captain against his former club. Produced a number of slaloming runs to get Notts on the front foot and defended expertly against the Torquay attackers.
Aaron Nemane - 7
Did extremely well to win the penalty for Rodrigues to dispatch. Was a continuous threat throughout the match and kept the game simple when in dangerous areas.
Adam Chicksen - 7
Continues to be a goal threat every time Notts go forward and had two glorious chances in the first half to add to his five goals already this season. Continuous hard work during the game which was highlighted with an excellent sprint to deny a Torquay counter, which the Meadow Lane crowd responded to.
Matty Palmer - 8
The midfield general. Another brilliant performance from Palmer in the middle of the park, controlling the tempo of the game and adding that bit of grit when needed. Was keen to play in that more advanced role but did not neglect his defensive responsibilities.
Geraldo Bajrami - 8
His understanding with Palmer in recent weeks has almost become telepathic, with both of their styles complementing each other brilliantly at the heart of this Notts team. Was able to spot the danger before it materialised and was keen to play forward afternoon. Rounded off the scoring with a brilliant finish.
Ruben Rodrigues - 8
After missing his penalty against Maidstone, the midfielder was never going to miss two in a row, stepping up to confidently dispatch the spot-kick. Continued to influence the game throughout.
Cedwyn Scott - 7
Endured a frustrating performance in front of goal but continued to work hard in forward areas to press the ball and win back possession in the Torquay half.
Macaulay Langstaff - 7
Continued to work hard up front but was unable to have a real chance on goal. Lead the line well without adding to his goals.
SUBS:
Sam Austin - 7
Made an instant impact when coming on and almost had an instant impact - rattling an effort from the edge of the area onto the crossbar.
Toby Adebayo-Rowling - 6
Was keen to attack whenever he got the ball and was able to produce a number of good opportunities during his 15-minute cameo.
Quevin Castro - 7
Was an instant threat when coming on and produced an absolute rocket to all but seal the victory. Got the crowd on their feet with an attempted bicycle kick moments prior.
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